For those who’ve spent even a fraction of their time exploring New Zealand’s tech scene, the name Rakebit has become synonymous with innovation, community, and a relentless push to make local software development as dynamic as the landscapes it’s named after. Founded in 2013 by a small group of developers and entrepreneurs, Rakebit has grown from a modest collective of freelancers into a force that now shapes how businesses and startups approach development in Aotearoa. Its influence isn’t just felt in code—it’s embedded in the culture of Auckland’s digital ecosystem, where every project, from fintech to education tech, often traces its origins back to Rakebit’s collaborative ethos.
At its core, Rakebit operates as a co-operative, a model that aligns financial incentives with shared vision. Unlike traditional agencies, where profits might drive cutthroat competition, Rakebit’s structure ensures that the best ideas—not the highest bids—win through. This philosophy has attracted talent that values purpose over profit, and in turn, clients who prioritise transparency and sustainable growth over short-term gains. The result? A portfolio of work that’s as impressive as it is diverse, spanning everything from the user-friendly interfaces of Booked—the Auckland-based booking platform that streamlined local business operations—to the blockchain solutions developed for Manaaki, a Māori-led initiative addressing digital equity in rural communities.
Yet Rakebit’s impact extends beyond its immediate projects. It’s become a hub for mentorship, hosting regular workshops and hackathons where underrepresented groups in tech—like women, Māori, and Pacific Islanders—are given the tools to build their own ventures. The co-op’s commitment to diversity isn’t just performative; it’s baked into its operations. For instance, when Rakebit launched its Rakebit Collective in 2020, it aimed to double the number of women in leadership roles within five years. By 2023, that number had already surpassed 40%, a testament to how deeply inclusive practices can reshape a company’s trajectory. This isn’t just good PR; it’s a reflection of the co-op’s core belief that technology should serve everyone, not just the privileged few.
Rakebit’s approach to sustainability is equally bold. While many tech firms focus solely on carbon-neutral data centres, Rakebit has taken a more holistic view, partnering with local organisations to offset its environmental footprint through reforestation projects. Their Green Rakebit initiative, for example, has planted over 5,000 native trees since 2019, a figure that grows with every project completed. This isn’t just corporate social responsibility—it’s a way of operating that aligns with New Zealand’s growing demand for businesses that treat the environment as seriously as their bottom line. The co-op’s sustainability efforts have even caught the attention of international observers, with rakebit our review highlighting its model as a case study in how tech can drive ecological renewal.
The numbers tell a story of growth that’s as impressive as it is sustainable. As of 2024, Rakebit employs over 120 developers across its Auckland office and remote teams, with a backlog of projects valued at nearly $15 million. Its annual revenue has nearly tripled since 2018, driven by a mix of government contracts, private-sector clients, and crowdfunded initiatives. But perhaps its most telling metric is the number of startups it has spun out—over 20 since 2015, including Taranaki, a platform that uses AI to match farmers with local labour, and Waka, a logistics startup that optimises freight routes for small businesses. These aren’t just spin-offs; they’re the direct result of Rakebit’s philosophy that the best innovation happens when developers are empowered to take risks.
Critics might argue that Rakebit’s model is too niche, too idealistic to scale. But history shows that the most transformative companies aren’t those that follow the crowd—they’re the ones that redefine what’s possible. Take Shopify, for example, which started as a small e-commerce platform before becoming a global juggernaut. Or Spotify, which disrupted the music industry by prioritising user experience over corporate greed. Rakebit’s success lies in its ability to balance ambition with humility, to build something that’s not just profitable but meaningful. In an industry where profit margins can feel like the only measure of success, Rakebit offers a different standard—a reminder that technology should be a force for good, not just for growth.
- Rakebit has grown its workforce from 30 to over 120 developers since 2018.
- The co-op’s Green Rakebit initiative has planted over 5,000 native trees since 2019.
- Over 20 startups have been launched from Rakebit’s collective since 2015.
- Rakebit’s annual revenue has nearly tripled in six years, reaching nearly $15 million.
- Women now make up over 40% of leadership roles within the co-op.
In the end, Rakebit’s greatest legacy may not be its projects, its revenue, or even its sustainability efforts. It may be the way it has redefined what it means to be a developer in New Zealand—a profession that’s no longer just about writing code, but about building a better future for everyone. For those who’ve seen the impact firsthand, Rakebit isn’t just a review; it’s a blueprint for how tech can be a force for good in a world that often treats it as a tool for exploitation.